Pacific Grove Unified School
District
Note: This web page is a copy of the minutes from the Board of
Education Meeting.
Minutes are NOT OFFICIAL until approved by the Board.
The official Minutes are available at the Board Office.
Address any questions to the Superintendent, Dr. Ralph Porras, or call the District Office at 831-646-6510.
PACIFIC GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Minutes of the Meeting of December 4, 2003
The Board of Education of the Pacific Grove Unified School District held a meeting on December 4, 2003, at the Pacific Grove High School.
I. OPENING BUSINESS
A. Call to Order: 6:46 p.m.
B. Roll Call: Members Present: Beth Shammas
Jessie Bray
Mark Cameron (arrived at 6:55 p.m.)
Anne Hall
Richard Schramm
Student Representative
Absent: Bonnie Kwon
Administrators Patrick Perry, Superintendent
Present: Robin Blakley, Assistant Superintendent
C. Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
Adoption of Agenda: MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to adopt agenda. Motion CARRIED 4 to 0.
Identified Closed Session Topic:
Donation Sick Leave PGTA
D. Public Comment on Closed Session Items: None
E. Adjourn to Closed Session: 6:47 p.m. (Mark Cameron not in attendance)
II. CLOSED SESSION
III. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: 7:00 p.m.
A. Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
B. Adoption of Agenda: MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to adopt agenda. Motion CARRIED 4 to 0.
Report Action Taken in Closed Session: Approval of side letter agreement.
IV. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communications:
Schramm: Reported that he received a letter from Maria Nunez, Adult School Principal, thanking him for attending the Golden Bell Awards event.
Bray: Also acknowledged receipt of a thank you letter from Maria Nunez.
Hall: Was very pleased to say that she received cookies along with a note from Andrea Penrod, and that she also received a very nice plant along with a note from Janice, Julia, Nan and Jennifer who were involved with her in the Measure A Campaign.
B. Board Member Comment:
Board: None
C. Superintendent Report:
Perry: Reported that the evening’s Festival of Lights was a great parade. He was pleased that it appeared as though the entire student body was present. Additionally, he paid compliments to the football coach and players who demonstrated great style and excellent sportsmanship in the football game with San Jose the previous weekend. He proudly stated that they are excellent representatives of Pacific Grove High School and the entire School District all year long.
V. PRESENTATION
Wells Fargo Bank will be thanked for the support offered to the District
Hall read a letter from the Board dated November 13, 2003 to Sandi Eason, Wells Fargo Vice President, expressing appreciation and thanks to Wells Fargo for their generous, continued support of such programs as AVID, athletics and physical education. Shammas expressed genuine appreciation to Sandi Eason for Wells Fargo’s dedication and support, noting that it is never taken for granted. Eason expressed appreciation and thanks for the recognition and stated that one of the great things about Wells Fargo she has come to appreciate during her twenty-eight years of employment is their support of the community.
Debi Page past Board Member/Anne Hall retiring Board Member will be honored
Shammas presented an award to Anne Hall who, as Shammas stated, helped when the Board lost 2 members, had already been active on several committees and was willing to jump in and take on the responsibilities of a Board member. She stated that it had been a wonderful experience to have her on the Board, that her viewpoints and perspectives were valuable and that she had been easy to work with. She expressed gratitude for her services and told her that she would be missed.
Additionally, an award was presented to Debi Page, former Board President, in appreciation of her selfless service. Shammas personally spoke about how the two of them came on the Board together. She noted Page’s professionalism and desire to get to a solution that worked for everyone, and that as a team they had a lot to offer. She expressed how much Page would be missed. Page was presented with an award and her PGUSD Board nameplate. Page stated that being a Board member was one of the most rewarding, challenging and valuable things that she had ever done. She stated that she learned something from each person she worked with over the years. She expressed how much she truly enjoyed her time serving on the Board and that she was most proud of being a part of the successful campaign for the bond (and convincing Hall that being a Board member was nothing but fun.) She ended her comments by stating that she is happy to still be working for the District in her capacity as secretary at Pacific Grove High School.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT: Matt Bell, Robert H. Down Principal, gave thanks to Page and Hall, both of whom he considers his friends. He noted that he never ceased to trust them in their role as “Trustee”, as well as his appreciation for their heart-and-soul efforts and enthusiasm. In addition, he welcomed Board Member Mark Cameron and Board Member-Elect Mike Niccum to the Board. Hall thanked Page for the part she played in getting her involved, teaching her, making everyone feel heard and moving things along efficiently. She stated that she has appreciated her leadership and that she looks forward to her free time, but will miss serving on the Board. Bray thanked both Page and Hall as well for their service on the Board. Schramm thanked Page for being a good friend and mentor, and thanked Hall in appreciation of her sense of humor and no-nonsense approach.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION (Schramm/Bray) to adopt consent agenda.
A. Acceptance of Donations
B. Certificated Assignment Order No. 6
C. Classified Assignment Order No. 6
D. Minutes of October 23, 2003 Regular Meeting*
E. Minutes of November 6, 2003 Regular Meeting
Minutes of November 13, 2003 Regular Meeting
Minutes of November 15, 2003 Study Session
Warrant Schedule No. 425
Revolving Cash Report No. 3
Cash Receipts Report No. 3
Approval of Resolution #725 Authorizing Application for Breaker Stadium Tire Track Installation
Approve Contract with Family Services Agency for High School Counseling**
Approval of the Middle School State Block Grant Expenditure Plan
Approval of Contract for Writing Program Services – Susanne Brady
Approval of Contract for Writing Program Services – Patrice Vecchione
Acceptance of Quarterly Investment Report
Approval for Revised Middle School GPA Expenditure Plan
Approval of Middle School API Site Bonus Award Expenditure Plan
Allocation of School Safety and Violence Act Funds
Approval of Revised Middle School Plan 2003/04 and Related Budget
Approval of Contract with Challenge Day Consultants
Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
* Item D Minutes of October 23, 2003 previously approved.
**Item L should read “Community Human Services Agency” due to a name change from “Family Service Agency.”
Perry announced that the November 13, 2003 minutes were available on the table.
Schramm noted appreciation for the nearly $40,000 noted in Item A, which the community had come forth and donated.
V. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
Sub Committee Reports
Community Human Services (Kraus): No report.
City/District (Hall): No report.
Negotiations (Bray/Shammas): No report.
ROP (Schramm/Shammas): No report.
Shammas announced that new committee representatives would be assigned at the organizational meeting.
Organizational Meeting Preparation: Bray read the following comments to be included in the minutes as provided in Bylaw #9324:
Jessie Bray Looking Toward 2004
Change is the norm for PGUSD. As we look toward formation of a newly comprised Board of Trustees and our annual Organizational Meeting on December 11, a brief review of board composition for the past six years certainly shows CHANGE.
Board Members 1997 – 2003
Following a turbulent period dealing with proposed reconfiguration and possible school closure, three board members up for re-election in November, 1997, chose not to file. From a field of seven candidates Jessie Bray, Beth Shammas and Debi Page were the top vote-getters. They joined Rod Herndon and Wendy Kramer who were mid-way through their first four-year term. Five first-term members faced many challenges and changes. There has been no ballot election since that 1997 event.
In November, 1999, Wendy Kramer chose not to run for re-election; David Campbell and Rod Herndon were elected to four-year terms without opposition. There was no further change until mid-2001 when both Rod and David suddenly resigned, Rod to accept a position with PGUSD and David to accept a new position in Napa.
Beth, Debi and Jessie unexpectedly found themselves serving as a three-member board faced with selecting two replacements by appointment. From a field of eleven applicants, Anne Hall and Jeff Lanzman were named to serve until the next regular election in November, 2001.
The November, 2001 election presented an unusual opportunity for change- -all five members of the school board were up for re-election: Jessie Bray, Debi Page and Beth Shammas filed for their second four-year terms; Jeff Lanzman chose not to run; Anne Hall and Rich Schramm filed for the two two-year terms. When no other candidates came forward, the slate of five was elected without ballots being cast. (Personal thought: Did that reflect a vote of confidence or voter apathy? –JB.)
And now we reach 2003. Anne Hall chose not to run. Rich Schramm and Mike Niccum were the only candidates to file for the 2003-2007 terms. They were declared elected, once more without a vote. Their terms start when sworn in, no sooner than the first Friday in December.
Another surprise change came up. Board President Debi Page resigned on September 26 to take a position with PGUSD. As required by Board Bylaws, new officers were elected at the next regular meeting. Beth Shammas was elected President and Jessie Bray Vice President/Clerk, to serve until the upcoming Organizational Meeting in December.
The four-member board followed required procedures and on November 13, selected Mark Cameron from a field of four applicants. Mark was sworn in by Superintendent Patrick Perry immediately following his selection.
After the December 11 meeting, the Board will be: (alphabetical by date term ends)
Jessie Bray 2005
Mark Cameron 2005
Beth Shammas 2005
Mike Niccum 2007
Rich Schramm 2007
As we have done in the recent past (1997 to now) the board will continue to deal with change on issues large and small.
We can look forward to new challenges. Our charge is to handle change in positive, effective ways.
Context for Election
We are following Bylaw #9100 for the December 11 Organizational Meeting. Bylaw #9100, adopted October 7, 1999, states under Election of Officers, “The Board shall each year elect one of its members to be President and one to be Vice-President/Clerk. Each is elected to serve a one-year term. No officer may serve more than two consecutive terms.”
I voted for the new bylaw in 1999. It replaced one that I felt was too restrictive. The prior bylaw required that each board member serve a two-year term sequence as VP/Clerk and then President. No board member could serve a second term until or unless all board members had served one two-year sequence.
I prefer a model where board members who are willing to serve make a one-year commitment for either office. The cap of “two consecutive terms” seems fair to me. Perhaps that phrase needs to be clarified.
In 2004, all of the #9000 bylaws are scheduled for review and update. That will be an important exercise for all of us board members. Our bylaws need to reflect views of current members within the required legal parameters.
Sequence for Organizational Meeting
Mike Niccum and Rich Schramm will be sworn in and take their seats at the board’s table.
Superintendent Perry will conduct the election of President and Vice-President/Clerk.
Jessie Bray and Beth Shammas will confirm or withdraw their self-nominations.
Additional nominations may be made by board members but only with prior approval of the nominee. NOMINATIONS DO NOT REQUIRE SECONDS.
Election is by voice vote. Secret ballots are not allowed.
Superintendent announces the results.
Superintendent conducts election of VP/Clerk in the same way.
Meeting is turned over to newly-elected President to continue with remaining agenda.
Closing
Do board members have any questions on the process?
Do candidates want to make statements prior to the vote at December 11 Organizational Meeting or limit themselves to optional written statement?
Other questions?
Review roles and responsibilities of Board Officials per board bylaws.
VI. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
Second Reading Board Policies and Regulations Regarding Personnel: Cynthia Saxon noted that the Personnel Update Guidesheet on page 23-E should be changed to show both #4212 Board Policy and Board Regulation, as the Policy was added and the Regulation was revised to meet Education Code. Bray noted a typographical error in Policy 4111 on page 1, paragraph 2, and stated that the last line should read, “will be able” instead of “win be able.” MOTION (Bray/Schramm) to adopt the Board policies and approve for issuance the regulations listed on the Personnel Update Guidesheets. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Resolution No. 726 Reduction of Classified School Services: MOTION (Schramm/Hall) to adopt Resolution No. 726 in order to reduce classified staffing at Forest Grove Elementary School for the 2003-2004 school year due to lack of work. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Public Comment: Susan Nine, PGTA Co-President, expressed concern that PGTA and the teachers were not notified of this agenda item. She spoke on such issues as contractual class size limits, fluctuation of class size, and stated that the Superintendent’s solution was to hire aides for overage in the classroom. She also expressed disappointment in the administration’s recommendation to reduce classified staffing due to “lack of work,” and voiced her feeling that 4th and 5th grade teachers should each have an aide at least 1 hour each day.
Perry addressed each of the issues Nine commented on, explaining that he had met with CSEA representatives informing them that administration would have to move forward with this item, and further explained that he met with the principal of Forest Grove and various others on the issue. He also explained that it was not his intent to fluctuate the employment of aides. Saxon explained the unfortunate term “lack of work” is Education Code language that must be used.
Approval of Reduced Categorical Program Funding: Blakley explained that State legislation passed, which states that that $9.9 million must come out of categorical funding that would have gone to Basic Aid school districts. PGUSD’s share to contribute is $131,748. (He noted a revision in the total estimated 2003-04 income on page 25-C. The total should read $1,370,227 instead of $901,557). He explained that it is now necessary for the District to inform the State as to which programs it chooses to reduce. Discussion took place as to whether it would be best to reduce categorical funds unproportionally or proportionally, although proportional reductions could potentially destroy some programs. It was the decision of the Board to delay their final vote until a meeting in January, pending additional information from other Basic Aid districts.
2003/04 General Fund Budget Revision #2: MOTION (Bray/Hall) to approve General Fund Budget Revision #2 as proposed. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Public Comment: Tom Wortham, School Site Council Co-President for the high school, encouraged the Board to make its decision, whatever it is, in a way so that the schools can make their plans. He explained that SIP is an entirely new plan than it used to be, and that funds that have been allocated for SIP haven’t been readily available. Administration recommended that Mr. Wortham meet with Blakley or the Superintendent to clarify and discuss his concerns.
First Interim Report: MOTION (Hall/Cameron) to approve the First Interim financial report and adopt a positive certification indicating that the District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year, and, based on current forecasts, meet its multi-year commitments. Motion CARRIED 5 to 0.
Board Calendar/Future Meetings: No additions to the calendar at this time. It was determined that at the Organizational Meeting on December 11 the configuration would begin as in a regular Board meeting, and that once regular business had been conducted the Board would move to a study session configuration in the center of the library for Dr. Bill Barr’s workshop portion of the meeting.
Future Agenda Items: None.
VII. ADJOURNMENT: 9:34 p.m.
Submitted by,
Patrick Perry, Secretary
Board of Education
Pacific Grove U.S.D.
Home Page
Monterey County Office of Education
This page maintained for the PGUSD by Bruce Cates
Comments or questions to: bcates@pgusd.org
updated: 1/13/04
minutes/0304/120403min.html